Unknown (16 page)

They halted for lunch towards the end of the journey, and afterwards Helen suggested Laura sat in front. ‘If Brad sees us arrive he’ll wonder what I'
m
doing there,’ she smiled. 'Mustn’t spoil your little game.’

As it was they were out of the car and approaching the heavy door before it was flung open and Brad, followed by Mrs. Jennings, came rushing down the steps.

‘Helen! Why didn’t you let me know? This is better than I expected. I wish you’d telephoned, though, I’d have fetched you myself.'

Surprise, surprise, Brad darling,' she laughed, 'and Mrs. Jennings, what do you think of me now?’

'It's a miracle, Miss Helen.’ Tears streamed unashamedly down the housekeeper’s cheeks. ‘I never thought I’d see you walk again,’ She put her arms round the younger girl and hugged her soundly, ‘Now let’s get you inside out of the cold.’

Brad smiled indulgently at her proprietorial attitude and stepped back for Laura to precede him into the "house, giving her a cool smile as he did so. She heard him thank Philip for his trouble, adding that it hadn’t really been necessary, and Philip’s flippant reply that he d thoroughly enjoyed escorting two pretty girls a hundred or so miles.

They gathered in a little group in the hall. ‘Oh, Jenny,' began Brad, as if suddenly remembering there was a stranger in their midst, ‘this is Philip. Philip—er?’

‘Harvey,' supplied Philip, throwing the housekeeper one of his winning smiles. '

‘Laura’s fiancé,' finished Brad abruptly.

'You never said you had a young man in London,' reproached Mrs. Jarvis, looking at Laura. ‘Will he be staying the night?’

‘Of course he will,' interrupted Helen. ‘He can’t drive all that way back today. You don’t mind, do you, Brad?'

‘How can I refuse my dear sister when she smiles at me like that?’ said Brad lightly. ‘You’re welcome to stay, Philip. Mrs. Jennings will put you right.' His smile did not quite reach his eyes.

‘Very kind of you.’ Philip caught Laura’s hand and drew her towards him. 'I'm glad we can have a few more hours together. I couldn’t bear the thought of being parted so soon.’

Laura smiled through gritted teeth. Surely it wasn’t necessary for him to carry their engagement fiasco to such lengths? She could feel Brad’s disapproval as he turned away towards his study.

'If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. I’ll see you all at dinner.’

Helen grimaced at his retreating form, waiting until his door was properly closed. ‘Big brother disapproves,’ she said irreverently. ‘Come on, let’s get washed and changed, then we can show Philip round the house.’ About an hour before dinner Helen announced that she was going to lie down, and for the first time since their arrival Laura was alone with Philip.

They sat before a blazing log fire in the drawing-room, the green velvet curtains drawn against the cold evening air.

‘Did you have to behave like that in front of Brad?’ she accused.

‘Must keep up impressions,’ Philip replied lightly, ‘or what’s the point in going on with this lark?’

‘I still think it was unnecessary.’

'You really are upset,’ he said in concern. 'I can’t understand Brad, he must go round with his eyes shut. Do you want to call the whole thing off? He may look at you in a different light if you’re free.’

‘I doubt it. We didn’t get on before. Besides, I couldn’t lie to him, and if I told him the truth he would probably tell Helen that you really did propose to me. She wouldn’t like that. Let's leave things as they are for the moment.'

He looked at her doubtfully. ‘As you wish, but don’t go and spoil the evening by resenting my attentions. Brad will think there’s something strange if I don t make a fuss of you.’

‘I’ll try,' said Laura sadly. ‘Now we’d better go and change.’

They stood up and Philip placed his hands lightly on her shoulders. ‘Keep your chin up. There’s plenty of other fellows if he’s not interested.' He kissed her lips softly and for a second Laura clung to him, aware of her need for sympathy, She never heard the door open, she heard nothing until Brad’s smooth voice startled her.

‘I’m sorry to interrupt' such a charming little scene. 'I thought Helen might be here.’

Laura pushed Philip away hotly, feeling unreasonably guilty at being caught in his arms.

‘She’s resting. She felt tired after her long day, but she said she’ll be down to dinner.'

'I see.’ He glanced at his watch. 'I hadn’t realised it was so late. Shouldn’t you be getting ready? Jenny hates unpunctuality.’

‘We were just going,’ put in Philip laconically, ‘but I couldn’t resist giving Laura a kiss. She’s so beautiful, don’t you agree?’

A muscle tightened in Brad’s jaw as he gave Laura a searching look. ‘Indeed she is. You’re a lucky man. I’ll see you later.’ His face inscrutable, he turned and walked out, closing the door quietly after him.

Laura threw Philip an angry glance and made to follow, but he caught her arm, turning her round to face him. ‘Now don’t get on your high horse. You dragged me into this game, and to tell you the truth I’m enjoying it. Before I leave Brad’s going to realise just what a wonderful person you are.’

‘Philip! Don’t you dare. I thought you were my friend.' Green eyes flashed indignantly.

‘So I am. All I shall do is give a little push now and then in the right direction. The way Brad just looked at you, it was as though he was seeing you for the first time. With a little help he’ll soon realise what he’s missing. Leave it to Uncle Philip.'

Laura smiled. ‘I can't be mad with you for long, but I'm warning you, if you show me up—I’ll
—'

‘You’ll what?' he laughed into her eyes. ‘You won't do anything. You'll be too scared.'

‘Don't be so sure,' retorted Laura, twisting free and opening the door. ‘I’ll see you later.'

She changed into a long blue dress that clung warmly to her slender figure. If Philip really intended to show her off she would need that extra bit of confidence. Carefully she smoothed in pearl eyeshadow and mascaraed her lashes. For once she would wear her hair loose, she decided, and brushed it vigorously until it shone like pure copper.

With one final satisfied look at herself in the mirror she snapped off the light and went quietly downstairs.

Brad and Philip were already in the dining-room, talking softly together by the fire. Her footsteps were cushioned by the deep carpet and she was able to observe the two men before they became aware of her presence.

Brad, tall and dark and incredibly handsome in a grey suit and white shirt accentuating his tan, which had deepened noticeably during his visit to South Africa. He was relaxed and confident, very much the master of the

house, and Laura’s heart somersaulted wildly as she allowed herself to study him. He boasted not an ounce of superfluous flesh. His shoulders were broad, his waist narrow and he carried himself proudly. He was smiling now at something Philip had said, his eyes crinkling at the corners, his mouth softening.

Swallowing a sudden constricting lump in her throat, Laura turned her attention to Philip, blond and much shorter, wearing a check suit; equally as confident as Brad but with the ease and familiarity of a younger generation. Looking at him now, Laura could see why Brad’s first impression had been unfavourable. Indeed, she herself had once thought him a smooth talker, out for what he could get. It was only as she got to know him better that she realised how wrong she had been.

As of one accord they turned and looked at Laura as she stood silhouetted in the doorway, young and graceful and lovely.

Brad’s eyes darkened perceptibly and he took a step forward, but it was Philip who spoke. ‘Here you are
,'
he said, ‘looking more beautiful than ever, if that’s possible
.'
He kissed her warmly, then held her at arm’s length. ‘You should let your hair down more often, it suits you. What do you think, Brad?’

Laura's eyes flashed warningly, but Philip appeared not to notice.

Slowly, almost insolently, Brad looked her up and down, lingering on the rich auburn hair which fell provocatively across her face and shoulders, finally looking deep into her eyes. Laura felt uncomfortable under his gaze but, determined not to let him have the satisfaction of finding out just what effect he had on her, she assumed what she hoped was a casual air.

‘Philip, darling, I'm sure Brad’s not interested how I wear my hair.’

‘On the contrary,' cut in Brad blandly, ‘I find it very appealing. Now, would you like a sherry?’

He turned away as if bored by the whole affair and Laura found difficulty in swallowing back the tears that threatened. He didn’t have to make it so apparent that he had little time for her. Was it such an effort to be polite? If so why hadn’t he let her go when she wanted to, instead of reminding her of her contract? Admittedly he had said he would release her if she wanted to get married, but she had the feeling that he’d done that purely as a matter of form, not prompted by any personal feeling of guilt that he might have.

Philip, sensing her emotion, squeezed her hand encouragingly. She smiled weakly, realising that she would be letting him down if she spoilt the evening by allowing her own sentiments to show.

'Just a small one, please,’ she said brightly.

‘I’m not too late, am I?’ Helen’s cheerful voice relieved the tension and Laura turned gratefully.

‘No, I’ve only just come down myself. How are you feeling?’

‘Wonderful. I’m a completely new person, thanks to my darling brother.’

Brad glanced at her fondly. ‘You didn’t think that at the time.'

Helen looked at him innocently.
^C
I didn’t? How very naughty of me.'

He laughed as he handed her and Laura their drinks. 'We’d better sit down. I can hear Jenny.'

Once again Laura felt an irrational spurt of jealousy at the carefree relationship that existed between brother and sister. It was stupid, she knew, but it was a feeling over which she had no control. She wanted him to speak to her with the same effortless repartee, to laugh over shared jokes, not to be the object of his derision and contempt.

Despite Laura’s apprehension, the evening was a success. Whether it was Jenny’s excellent cooking or the mellowing effect of the sherry Laura did not know, but Brad was certainly more agreeable than she had known him for some time.

Helen, too, radiated a deeper happiness which Laura knew was because of her love for Philip, but which Brad assumed was due to her almost complete recovery. Once or twice Laura caught a lingering look passing between her two friends and each time her heart skipped a beat, for fear Brad saw and wondered.

Philip seemed to have forgotten his desire to impress Brad with her qualities, for which Laura was thankful, and when Helen said she was tired and intended retiring early, he surprised them all by saying :

‘Me, too. If I've to drive back to London tomorrow I must get a good night’s sleep
.'

Laura panicked inwardly, suspecting an ulterior motive behind this decision. He had previously told her that he needed little sleep, so his excuse was feeble to say the least. If he thought any good would come of leaving her behind with Brad he was mistaken. She would follow their lead and go to bed herself.

‘I'll come with you,' she said, 'I feel rather tired myself. It must be the travelling. Good-night, Brad.’ She turned to follow the others.

Laura
!'
Brad called her back. ‘I’d like a word with you before you go, if it’s all right with Philip?’

Of course
,'
said Philip jovially. Too jovially, thought Laura. It sounded almost as though he was pleased to leave her there. She threw him an imploring glance but he continued, ‘I’ll just kiss her good-night—then she’s yours.’

He took Laura into his arms and kissed her soundly. She felt her colour rise and would have liked nothing better than to slap him hard across the face, but such an action would reveal the fact that she did not really love him. She was forced to pretend to enjoy his kisses, muttering between clenched teeth as he released her, ‘You wait!’

He smiled broadly, immune to her wrath. ‘Good-night, sweetheart. See you in the morning. Come on, Helen, I’ll help you upstairs.’

He closed the door gently behind him and Laura turned to find Brad watching her, amused. His unexpected attitude caused her to divert her anger from Philip to him and she spoke without thinking:

‘I really don’t know what you find so funny in my fiancé kissing me good-night. Perhaps he should have asked your permission?’

‘Or yours ?’ countered Brad softly, quizzically.

‘W-what do you mean? Of course he doesn’t have to ask.’ His question had caught her off guard and she felt confused. What was he getting at?

‘I may be wrong, but I distinctly gained the impression that you didn’t welcome his embrace.’ He watched her closely, waiting for her reply.

‘How would you feel?’ she demanded hotly. ‘I prefer my kisses in private, not in front of—of strangers.’

He frowned. ‘I hardly think you can class Helen and me as strangers. If you really loved the fellow you’d kiss him no matter who was present.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ blazed Laura. ‘That may be your opinion, but it’s definitely not mine. Love is something personal, to be shared when you’re alone.’ She was scared that he had noticed things were not quite as they should be between her and Philip, and his next words confirmed her suspicions.

‘So you don’t care that he finds my sister attractive— so long as he doesn't fuss you in public.' He stood with his back to the fireplace, regarding her gravely.

‘Naturally he finds Helen charming,' she said defensively. ‘What man wouldn’t? She’s a very beautiful girl.’

‘Agreed, but that hardly gives him the right to openly admire her when he’s engaged to you.’

‘It’s no business of yours,' Laura retorted. ‘If I don’t mind surely that’s all there is to it?’

'You’re wrong there. Helen is obviously impressed by Philip—don’t think I haven’t noticed the way she looks at him—and I don’t want him playing about with her emotions when nothing can come of it.’